UHD President Loren J. Blanchard

Dear UHD Community,

I hope this note finds all of you in good spirits and good health!

Today, I am pleased to announce that all UHD students, faculty and staff members, as well as their families, are eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine on our campus very soon thanks to a partnership with Houston Methodist.

The first dose of the vaccination will be offered on April 22 with the second shot being administered on May 20. UHD’s Welcome Center will serve as the vaccination site between 2 and 7 p.m. on these dates.

Registration (in either English or Spanish) is required to receive a vaccination, and the City of Houston will offer free metered parking in the lots located just off Girard Street (across from UHD’s Welcome Center) during both April 22 and May 20 events.

This on-campus vaccination effort is just one of the many ways we are working to ensure UHD is a safe place to learn and work, particularly as we prepare for a gradual return to campus. Those who have visited UHD in recent months have no doubt noticed many safety enhancements that have been implemented due in part to the efforts of the COVID-19 Task Force, Department of Emergency Management, Facilities Management and University Relations.

Hand sanitizer is available throughout the University, and signs clearly remind everyone that masks and distancing are required on campus. The University’s ventilation system is disinfected using CDC and EPA approved solutions. Additionally, cleaning crews routinely sanitize classrooms, restrooms, shuttle buses and all high traffic areas.

A complete rundown of these and other protocols is online for your review, but it is important to remember that we all have a responsibility in ensuring that UHD is a safe University. Wear your masks, wash your hands and maintain appropriate distances from others. You are also highly encouraged to sign up for your vaccinations, or as our recent campaign states, “Don’t miss your shot to keep UHD safe!”

I also recommend attending one of UHD’s COVID-19 Health, Safety and Information Forums scheduled this month. The next forums are scheduled at 11 a.m., April 19 with special guest Dr. Peter Hotez and 11 a.m., April 29 with Dr. Stephen Spann. If you missed the first event with Dr. David Persse, it has been archived online.

During times such as these, I am reminded of the true power of community. Individuals and institutions are coming together to provide information and resources to our UHD family, but as stated, all of us also must do our part to prevent the spread of this virus and support our state’s road to recovery.

Thank you for your efforts in keeping others, our campus, and yourselves safe from COVID-19!

Sincerely,

Loren J. Blanchard, Ph.D.
President, University of Houston-Downtown